Hair care composition

ABSTRACT

(1) The invention provides a composition for hair that imparts to the hair such properties as moist feeling, the feel of smoothness, thick-film touch, and ease of combing. These properties are long lasting and do not disappear after repeated brushing. 
     Furthermore, neither in a moist state during washing, nor in a dry state, the hair produces the feel of unpleasant touch. The hair treated with the composition of the invention does to become sticky after drying. (2) The shampoo compositions of the invention demonstrate superb foamability and washability. The feel of smoothness and ease of combing are not lost even after the repeated hair wash. 
     The composition of the invention comprises a specific block copolymer of polyorganosiloxane and polyoxyalkylene used in the amount of 0.01 to 10 mass %.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10/540,816,filed on Jun. 24, 2005, which claims priority to and all advantages ofInternational Application No. PCT/JP03/16566, filed on Dec. 24, 2003,which claims priority to and all advantages of Japanese PatentApplication No. 2002-376615, filed on Dec. 26, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a composition for hair that contains aspecific block copolymer.

BACKGROUND ART

(1) To obtain a composition for hair that imparts to the hair excellentluster, smooth touch, and protection against damages such as hairsplitting or breaking, it was proposed to use a composition thatcontains dimethylpolysiloxane and/or methylphenylpolysiloxane of a highmolecular weight (with a degree of polymerization within the range of3,000 to 20,000) (see, e.g., Japanese Unexamined Patent ApplicationPublication (hereinafter referred to as “Kokai”) S63-183517 and KokaiS63-243018).

However, the effects of imparting to hair such properties as luster,smooth touch, and protection against damage obtained with the use of theaforementioned composition do not last long and are lost (or diminished)after brushing or drying.

Furthermore, the aforementioned composition cannot impart to hair asufficient moist feeling and thick-film touch (here and hereinafter, thefeeling that the hair coat is thick and moist).

The moist feeling is lost also when the hair treated with theaforementioned compositions is in a dry or wet state.

(2) In order to impart to hair an antistatic effect, facilitate combing,and provide the moisture feeling, it was suggested to use a compositionfor hair that contains a block copolymer composed of apolyorganosiloxane block with the average molecular weight within therange of 400 to 10,000 and a polyoxyalkylene block with the averagemolecular weight within the range of 300 to 10,000 (see, e.g., KokaiH04-211605).

However, the aforementioned composition is unable to impart to hair asufficient feel of smoothness. Moreover, the positive effects impartedto hair by the composition also cannot last long and are lost (ordiminished) after the hair is brushed or dried.

Furthermore, as the aforementioned composition could not form asufficiently thick coating film on the surface of the hair, it could notprovide the thick-film touch.

When hair treated with the aforementioned composition becomes dry, itproduces the feel of unfavorable touch and tackiness.

(3) To obtain a composition for hair with which the hair is providedwith an excellent gloss, moist touch, smooth feeling, smoothness inrepeated washing and smoothness in repeated use, is prevented from beingdamaged, protected against chemical and mechanical treatment, andmaintains the above-listed effects for many hours, it was proposed touse a reactive silicone-type block copolymer composed of apolyorganosiloxane block, amino-modified polyorganosiloxane block, and apolyoxyalkylene block (see, e.g., Kokai 2002-179535).

However, the last-mentioned composition produces an unfavorable feelingto the touch when hair is in a wet state and cannot produce good feelingin hair washing.

Furthermore, since this composition cannot form a sufficiently thickcoating layer on the surface of hair, it also cannot impart to hair athick-film touch.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Present Invention

The present invention is aimed at a solution of the problems describedabove.

More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide acomposition for hair that is capable of imparting to hair a moistfeeling, a feel of smoothness, ease of combing, moist feeling andsmoothness even after repeated brushing and drying, and preserving afavorable touch, irrespective of whether the hair is in a dry or a wetstate.

It is another object of the invention to provide a composition for hairthat does not produce a sticking sensation after the hair is dried.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a composition forhair that is capable of coating the hair with a sufficiently thickcoating layer, thus imparting to hair a thick-film touch.

It is another object of the invention to provide a composition for hairthat imparts to hair excellent washing and foaming properties andmaintains good feel of smoothness and ease of combing, even afterrepeated hair washing.

Means for the Solution of the Problems

The composition for hair that relates to the present invention[hereinafter referred to as “composition” or “composition of the presentinvention”] is characterized by comprising a block copolymer representedby the following general formula (1):

-   [wherein R¹ independently designates univalent hydrocarbon groups    free of aliphatic unsaturation, hydroxyl groups, or alkoxy groups;-   Y¹ designates a bivalent organic group;-   R² independently designates hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups,    substituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon groups, alkoxy    groups, or groups represented by the following formula:

—Y¹—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b1)(C₃H₆O)_(b2)—Y²

(wherein Y² is a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstitutedunivalent hydrocarbon group);

-   “a” is 1 or a greater integer;-   “b1” is 1 or a greater integer;-   “b2” is 0, 1 or a greater integer;-   “c” is 1 or a greater integer;-   the average molecular weight of the polyorganosiloxane block    represented by formula:

—(SiR¹ ₂O)_(a)SiR¹ ₂—

is equal to or exceeds 10,500; the aforementioned polyorganosiloxaneblock constitutes 50 to 99 mass % of block copolymer (A);

-   the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene block    represented by formula:

—(C₂H₄O)_(b1)(C₃H₆O)_(b2)—

is within the range of 130 to 10,000; and

-   the average molecular weight of aforementioned block copolymer (A)    is equal to or higher than 50,000].

The composition of the invention may be embodied as follows:

-   [1] The content of aforementioned block copolymer (A) is within the    range of 0.01 to 10 mass %.-   [2] The composition may additionally contain a block copolymer (B)    of at least one type represented by general formula (2) given below    with the content within the range of 0.01 to 10 mass % (per total    weight of the composition as a reference):

[wherein R³ independently designates substituted or unsubstitutedunivalent hydrocarbon groups or groups of the following formula:

—Y³—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)—Y⁴

(wherein Y³, b3, and b4 are defined below, Y⁴ designates hydrogen atomsor a substituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon group);

-   Y³ designates a bivalent organic group;-   R⁴ independently designates hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups,    substituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon groups, alkoxy    groups, or groups represented by the following formula:

—Y³—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)—Y⁴;

-   “a′” is an integer within the range of 1 to 1350;-   “b3” and “b4”, respectively, are integers within the range of 0 to    220 (but b3 and b4 cannot be both 0);-   “c”' is an integer within the range of 0 to 50; when “c′” is 0, at    least one of the groups designated by R³ or R⁴ is represented by the    formula:

—Y³—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)—Y⁴;

-   the average molecular weight of the polyorganosiloxane block    represented by formula:

—(SiR³ ₂O)_(a′)SiR³ ₂—

is within the range of 134 to 10,000;

-   the aforementioned polyorganosiloxane block constitutes 0.7 to 97.5    mass % of block copolymer (B);-   the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene block    represented by formula:

—(C₂H₄O)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)—

is within the range of 130 to 10,000; and

-   the average molecular weight of aforementioned block copolymer (B)    is within the range of 650 to 100,000].-   [3] The composition may further contain a silicone compound (C) of    at least one type expressed by below-given general formula (3) and    contained in an amount of 0.01 to 10 mass % (per total weight of the    composition as a reference).-   [4] In below-given formula (3) for silicone compound (C), Z¹    designates an amino-containing group or an ammonium-containing    group; when “r”=0, at least one R⁸ becomes X¹:

[In the above formula, R⁹ independently designates hydrogen atoms andsubstituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon groups; X¹ designatesa reactive functional group represented by formula:

—R¹¹—Z¹

(wherein R¹¹ is a direct bond or a bivalent hydrocarbon group with 1 to20 carbon atoms, and Z¹ is a group that contains a reactive group); R⁸are independently hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, substituted orunsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon groups, alkoxy groups, or groupsrepresented by X¹; R¹⁰ represents either R⁹ or X¹; “q” is an integerthat may be at least 1; “r” is 0 or an integer that may be at least 1;the average molecular weight of component (C) is within the range of 250to 1,000,000.]

-   [5] The composition may further contain a cationic surface-active    agent (D) of at least one type comprising any of the compounds    represented by the below-given general formulae (4), (5), and (6):

[where in general formula (4), R¹² designates an alkyl group with 10 to24 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl groups, acyloxyalkyl groups bonded toalkyl groups with 10 to 24 carbon atoms, or amidoalkyl groups; R¹⁴ andR¹⁵ independently designate benzyl groups, hydroxyalkyl groups, or alkylgroups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R¹³ may be R¹², R¹⁴, or R¹⁵; and Xdesignates a halogen atom or an alkyl sulfuric acid group.

In general formula (5), at least one of R²¹, R²⁴ designates an R²², R²³,and aliphatic acryloxy(polyethoxy)ethyl group, alkenyl group, and alinear or branched alkyl group that contain 8 to 35 of total carbonatoms and can be OH-substituted or cleaved by functional groups of thefollowing formulae: —O—, —CONH—, —OCO—, or —COO—. The remaining groupsmay comprise hydroxyalkyl or alkyl groups with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, orpolyoxyethylene groups with the total addition number not exceeding 10;X⁻ designates a halogen ion or an organic anion.

In general formula (6), R²⁵ designates an alkenyl group and a linear orbranched alkyl group that contains 8 to 35 of total carbon atoms and canbe OH-substituted or cleaved by functional groups of the followingformulae: —O—, —CONH—, —OCO—, or —COO—. R²⁶ independently designates ahydroxyalkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkyl group with 1 to 22 carbonatoms.]

-   [6] The composition may further contain a surface-active agent (E)    of at least one type selected from an anionic surface-active agent,    amphoteric surface-active agent, and nonionic surface-active agent,    said agent being used in an amount of 0.01 to 40 mass % (per total    weight of the composition as a reference).-   [7] The composition may further contain a water-soluble polymer (F)    of at least one type added in an amount of 0.01 to 10 mass % (per    total weight of the composition as a reference).-   [8] The aforementioned block copolymer (A) may be dissolved in a    liquid cyclic silicone (G).-   [9] The aforementioned block copolymer (A) may be dissolved in a    liquid chain silicone (H).-   [10] The aforementioned block copolymer (A) may be dissolved in a    liquid isoparaffin-type hydrocarbon (I).-   [11] The aforementioned block copolymer (A) may be dissolved in a    liquid or solid ester oil (J).-   [12] The composition may further contain an emulsion obtained by    emulsifying the solution formed by dissolving said block    copolymer (A) (an emulsion-type composition).-   [13] In case of emulsification, the emulsion can be further    compounded with 0.01 to 10 mass % (per total mass of the composition    as a reference) of a water-soluble polyhydric alcohol (K).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described in more detail.

The composition of the invention contains a block copolymer (A) ofaforementioned general formula (1) as an indispensable component.

<Block Copolymer (A)>

In aforementioned general formula (1) that represents block copolymer(A), R¹ independently designates univalent hydrocarbon groups free ofaliphatic unsaturation, hydroxyl groups, or alkoxy groups.

The univalent hydrocarbon groups free of aliphatic unsaturation may beexemplifies by methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, octyl, dodecyl, phenyl,phenethyl, etc. The methyl and phenyl groups are preferable.

The alkoxy groups designated by R¹ may be exemplified by alkoxy groupswith 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably, 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and evenmore preferably, 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy,butoxy, isopropenyloxy, methoxyethoxy, phenyloxy, acetoxy,cyclohexyloxy, and dodecanyloxy groups. The methoxy and ethoxy groupsare preferable.

The bivalent organic groups that are represented by Y¹ in aforementionedformula (1) are bonded to the silicon atom of the polyorganosiloxaneblock via a carbon-silicon bond and with the polyoxyalkylene block[poly(oxyethylene)(oxypropylene) block] via an oxygen atom.

The following are specific examples of organic groups designated by Y¹:R¹⁶—, R¹⁶—CO—, R¹⁶—NHCO—, —R¹⁶—NHCONHR¹⁷—NHCO—, and —R¹⁶—OOCNH—R¹⁷—NHCO—[where R¹⁶ designates ethylene, propylene, butylene, or similar alkylenegroups, and R¹⁷ designates alkylene groups, —C₆H₄—, —C₆H₄—C₆H₄,—C₆H₄—CH₂—C₆H₄—, —C₆H₄—CH(CH₃)—C₆H₄—, or similar arylene groups].

The following are preferable organic groups designated by Y¹: —CH₂CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —(CH₂)₄—(CH₂)₂CO—, (CH₂)₃NHCO—,—(CH₂)₃NHCONHC₆H₄CO—, and —(CH₂)₃OOCNHC₆H₄NHCO—. Most preferable of theabove groups are —CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH (CH₃)CH₂—, especially—CH₂CH (CH₃)CH₂—.

In the above formula (1), R² independently designates hydrogen atoms,hydroxyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbongroups, alkoxy groups, or groups represented by the following formula:

—Y¹—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b1)(C₃H₆O)_(b2)—Y²

(wherein Y² is a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstitutedunivalent hydrocarbon group; Y¹ is the same as defined above).

Substituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon groups designated byR² can be represented by alkyl groups with 1 to 12 carbon atoms,preferably, 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably, 1 to 6 carbonatoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, aminopropyl, glycidoxypropyl,butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, and dodecyl groups; alkenyl groups with 2to 8 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as vinyl,propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, and octenyl groups; cycloalkylgroups with 3 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 7 carbon atoms, such ascyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl groups; halogenated alkylgroups with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such astrifluoropropyl, perfluorooctylethyl, chloropropyl, and pentachlorooctylgroups; aliphatic acyl groups with 1 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to7 carbon atoms, such as acetyl, propionyl, pentanoyl, and octanoylgroups; aromatic acyl groups with 7 to 15 carbon atoms, preferably 7 to11 carbon atoms, such as benzoyl and benzylcarbonyl groups; aryl groupswith 6 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to 0.10 carbon atoms, such asphenyl, tolyl, xylyl, and naphthyl groups; as well as aralkyl groupswith 7 to 15 carbon atoms, preferably 7 to 11 carbon atoms, such asbenzyl and phenethyl groups. Most preferable are methyl and phenylgroups.

In the groups represented by formula:

—Y¹—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b1)(C₃H₆O)_(b2)—Y²

(i.e., the groups that can be represented by R²), Y² is a hydrogen atomor a substituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon group. Thesubstituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon group designated byY² may be exemplified by the same groups as given above for R².

The most preferable groups designated by Y² are the following: alkenylgroup, such as —CH═CH₂, —CH₂CH═CH₂, —CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂, —(CH₂)₂—CH═CH₂,hydroxyl groups, acetyl groups, and alkyl groups with 1 to 12 carbonatoms.

In aforementioned formula (1), “a” is an integer equal to or greaterthan 1, preferably an integer within the range of 140 to 1350, and evenmore preferably, within the range of 160 to 400.

“b1” is an integer equal to or greater than 1, preferably an integerwithin the range of 3 to 220, and even more preferably, within the rangeof 7 to 60.

“b2” is 0 or an integer equal to or greater than 1, preferably aninteger within the range of 0 to 170, and even more preferably, withinthe range of 0 to 50.

“c” is an integer equal to or greater than 1, preferably an integerwithin the range of 5 to 50, and even more preferably, within the rangeof 10 to 50.

The average molecular weight of the polyorganosiloxane block representedby formula:

—(SiR¹ ₂O)_(a)SiR¹ ₂—

is equal to or exceeds 10,500, and should be preferably within the rangeof 10,500 to 100,000, more preferably, within the range of 12,000 to30,000, and even more preferably, within the range of 14,000 to 25,000.

If the composition for hair is comprised a block copolymer where theaverage molecular weight of the polyorganosiloxane block is below10,500, it will be impossible to impart to hair sufficient feel ofsmoothness and thick-film touch. Furthermore, the effects of impartingto hair the above properties will not last long and will be lost(diminished) after brushing and drying. When the hair treated with thecomposition having the average molecular weight below the indicatedlimit becomes dry, it will produce the feel of unfavorable touch andtackiness.

In block copolymer (A), the total content (total weight) of theaforementioned polyorganosiloxane block constitutes 50 to 99 mass %,preferably 70 to 99 mass %, and even more preferably, 90 to 99 mass %.

If the composition for hair cosmetic is comprised of a block copolymerwhere the content of the polyorganosiloxane-block is below 50 mass %, itwill be impossible to impart to hair sufficient luster and feel ofsmoothness. Furthermore, after drying, the hair will become sticky.

On the other hand, if the composition for hair cosmetic is comprised ofthe block copolymer where the content of the aforementioned blockexceeds 99 mass %, this will not allow maintaining glossiness and thefeel of smoothness over a long period of time and restrict the effectsof moist feeling and sensation of thick-film touch.

The average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene block represented byformula:

—(C₂H₄O)_(b1)(C₃H₆O)_(b2)—

is within the range of 130 to 10,000, preferably, within the range of310 to 5,000, and even more preferably, 440 to 3,000.

If the composition for hair is comprised of the aforementioned blockcopolymer where the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkyleneblock is below 130, the long-lasting effect of smoothness will beobtained, but the effects of moist feeling and sensation of thick-filmtouch, as well as diminishing of the sensation of unfavorable touch willbe insufficient.

On the other hand, if the composition for hair is comprised of a blockcopolymer where the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkyleneblock exceeds 10,000, it will be possible to provide sufficient effectsof imparting to hair a moist feeling and to diminish the sensation ofunfavorable touch, but the effects of smoothness will be insufficient,and after drying the hair may develop the feel of sticking.

The oxyethylene group (—C₂H₄O—) and the oxypropylene group (—C₃H₆O—)used in the polyoxyalkylene block of block copolymer (A) may be bondedat random or in block form.

It is recommended that, in the above formula that shows the preferablepolyoxyalkylene block, the repetition number (b1/b2) be within the rangeof (3 to 220)/(0 to 170), preferably, (7 to 60)/(0 to 50), and even morepreferably, (10 to 35)/(0 to 35).

The block copolymer (A) should have the average molecular weight above50,000, preferably within the range of 100,000 to 2,000,000, and evenmore preferably, within the range 150,000 to 1,000,000.

If the composition for hair comprises the aforementioned block copolymerwith the average molecular weight below 50,000, it will be difficult toimpart to hair the feel of smoothness, thick-film touch, and moistfeeling. Moreover, it will be difficult to diminish the feel ofunfavorable touch and tackiness after drying.

In the composition of the invention, the content of the block copolymer(A) should be within the range of 0.01 to 10 mass %, preferably 0.05 to5 mass %, and even more preferably, 0.1 to 3 mass %.

If the content of the aforementioned block copolymer is below the lowerrecommended limit, it will be impossible to achieve the object of thepresent invention. If, on the other hand, the block copolymer is used inexcess, this will decrease its solubility.

<Block Copolymer (B)>

Block copolymer (B) is an optional component of the composition of theinvention. It is a copolymer of polyorganosiloxane and polyoxyalkylenerepresented by aforementioned formula (2).

By using aforementioned block copolymer (A) in combination with blockcopolymer (B), it becomes possible to improve the effects produced byblock copolymer (A) (especially, the effect of imparting a moistfeeling).

In aforementioned formula (2) of block copolymer (B), R³ independentlydesignates substituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon groups orgroups of the following formula:

—Y³—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)—Y⁴

(wherein Y³, b3, and b4 are defined below, Y⁴ designates hydrogen atomsor a substituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon group); Y³designates a bivalent organic group; R⁴ independently designateshydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted univalenthydrocarbon groups, alkoxy groups, or groups represented by thefollowing formula:

—Y³—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)—Y⁴;

When in the aforementioned formula (2) the repetition number “c′” is 0,then R³ or R⁴ is represented by one formula:

—Y³—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)—Y⁴.

Specific examples of substituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbongroups represented in formula (2) by R³, R⁴, and Y⁴ may be the samegroups as given above for R² of aforementioned formula (1). Mostpreferable of these groups are methyl and phenyl groups.

In aforementioned general formula (2), the bivalent organic groupsdesignated by Y³ can be exemplified by the same groups that were shownabove for Y¹ of formula (1).

In aforementioned formula (2), “a′” is an integer within the range of 1to 1350, preferably within the range of 1 to 100, and even morepreferably, within the range of 1 to 50.

“b3” is an integer within the range of 0 to 220, preferably within therange of 3 to 60, and even more preferably, within the range of 5 to 50,and even further preferably, within the range of 7 to 35.

“b4” is an integer within the range of 0 to 220, preferably within therange of 0 to 60, and even more preferably, within the range of 3 to 45,and even further preferably, within the range of 5 to 35.

“b3” and “b4” cannot be both O.

“c′” is an integer within the range of 0 to 50, preferably within therange of 0 to 20, and even more preferably, within the range of 0 to 10.

In block copolymer (B), the average molecular weight of thepolyorganosiloxane block represented by formula:

—(SiR³ ₂O)_(a′)SiR³ ₂—

is within the range of 134 to 10,000, preferably within the range of 134to 5,000, and even more preferably, within the range of 800 to 3,500.

In block copolymer (B), the total content (total weight) ofaforementioned polyorganosiloxane block constitutes 0.7 to 97.5 mass %,preferably 10 to 90 mass %, and even more preferably, 20 to 80 mass %.

The average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene block represented inblock copolymer (B) by formula:

—(C₂H₄)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)—

should be within the range of 130 to 10,000, preferably within the rangeof 310 to 5,000, and even more preferably, within the range of 440 to3,000.

The average molecular weight of block copolymer (B) is maintained withinthe range of 650 to 100,000, preferably, 1,000 to 70,000, and even morepreferably, 3,000 to 50,000.

In the composition of the invention, the content of block copolymer (B)should be within the range of 0.01 to 10 mass %, preferably within therange of 0.05 to 5 mass %, and even more preferably, within the range of0.1 to 3 mass %.

If the content of block copolymer (B) is below 0.01 mass %, the presenceof this block copolymer will not produce any effect. If, on the otherhand, the content exceeds the recommended upper limit, this willdecrease solubility of block copolymer (B).

<Silicone Compound (C)>

Silicone compound (C) can be added to the composition of the inventionas an optional compound. It is a reactive silicone compound that isrepresented by aforementioned general formula (3).

Coexistence of component (A) with component (C) improves effects ofblock copolymer (A) (especially, glossiness and feel of smoothness).

In aforementioned formula (3), the bivalent hydrocarbon group (R¹¹) with1 to 20 carbon atoms that are included into the structure of reactivefunctional group X¹ of formula (3) may be represented by —CH₂—,—CH₂CH₂—, CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —(CH₂)₄—, —(CH₂)₆—, (CH₂)₈—,—CH₂CH₂C₆H₄—, —(CH₂)₁₂—, —(CH₂)₁₆—. The most preferable are propylenegroups.

The following groups can be selected as groups (Z¹) that containreactive groups and are included into the structure of reactive functiongroup (X¹): epoxy, amino, ammonium, hydroxyl, carboxyl, acyl, mercapto,methacrylic, isocyanate, ureido, vinyl, amido, imido, imino, aldehydo,nitro, nitrile, oxyme, azo, hydrazone, alkoxy, alkoxysilyl groups, etc.

The following are specific examples of reactive functional groups (X¹):—(CH₂)₃OH, —(CH₂)₃SH, —(CH₂)₃NH₂, —(CH₂)₃NH(CH₂)₂NH₂, —(CH₂)₃N(CH₃)₂,—(CH₂)₃N(CH₃)(CH₂)₂N(CH₃)₂, —(CH₂)₃N⁺(CH₃)₃Cl⁻,—(CH₂)₃N(CH₃)(CH₂)₂N(CH₃)C═O(CH₃),—(CH₂)₇COOH—(CH₂)₃OCH₂CH(O)CH₂—(CH₂)₃OC(═O)CH(CH₃)═CH₂,—(CH₂)₂Si(OCH₃)₃, —(CH₂)₂Si(OCH₂CH₃)₃. The most preferable among theabove are —(CH₂)₃NH₂, —(CH₂)₃NH(CH₂)₂NH₂, —(CH₂)₃N(CH₃)₂,—(CH₂)₃N(CH₃)(CH₂)₂N(CH₃)₂, and —(CH₂)₃N⁺(CH₃)₃Cl⁻.

Specific examples of substituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbongroups designated in aforementioned general formula (3) by R⁸, R⁹, andR¹⁰ are the same as groups given above for R² in general formula (1).Most preferable among these groups are methyl and phenyl groups.

In the composition of the invention, the content of silicone compound(C) should normally be within the range of 0.01 to 10 mass %, preferably0.05 to 5 mass %, and even more preferably, 0.1 to 3 mass %.

If silicone compound (C) is contained in the amount less than 0.01 mass%, the presence of this compound will not produce any effect. If, on theother hand, silicone compound (C) is used in excess, this will decreasesolubility of compound (C).

<Cationic Surface-Active Agent (D)>

Cationic surface-active agent (D) that is used in the composition of theinvention as an optional component is the one represented by any ofaforementioned general formulae (4), (5), and (6) (tertiary orquaternary ammonium salt).

The presence of cationic surface-active agent (D) improves effects ofblock copolymer (A) (especially suppression of unfavorable touch) andimparts to the hair so-called rinse effects (feel of smoothness, luster,and ease of combing).

In case the group designated in aforementioned general formula (4) byR¹² is an alkyl group with 10 to 24 carbon atoms, it can be representedby the following specific examples: cetyl group, lauryl group, stearylgroup, and behenyl group.

In case the group designated by R¹² is a hydroxyalkyl group with 10 to24 carbon atoms, it can be exemplified by a 12-hydroxystearyl group.

In case the group designated by R¹² is an acyloxyalkyl group bonded toalkyl group with 10 to 24 carbon atoms, it can be exemplified bystearylacyloxyethyl.

In case the group designated by R¹² is an amidoalkyl group bonded toalkyl group with 10 to 24 carbon atoms, it can be exemplified by lanolinfatty acid aminopropyl group.

Preferable groups designated by R¹² are alkyl groups with 14 to 22carbon atoms and, especially, stearyl and behenyl groups.

Preferable groups that in aforementioned general formula (4) aredesignated by R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ may be represented by methyl, ethyl, propyl,hydroxymethyl, and hydroxyethyl groups.

The groups designated in aforementioned formula (4) by R¹³ may be thesame as any of the groups designated by R¹², R¹⁴, and R¹⁵. Groups ofR¹³, R¹⁴, and R¹⁵ may be identical or different.

In aforementioned formula (4), preferable halogen atoms designated by“X” are atoms of chlorine and bromine

The following are specific examples of cationic surface-active agents(D) composed of compounds represented by aforementioned general formula(4): cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl trimethyl ammoniumchloride, behenyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, behenyl dimethylhydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethylbenzyl ammoniumchloride, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, lauryl trimethylammonium chloride, myristyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, lanolinfatty acid aminopropyl ethyldimethyl ammonium ethylsulfate, and cetyltriethyl ammonium methylsulfate. These compounds can be usedindividually or in combinations.

Most preferable of the above compounds are stearyl trimethyl ammoniumchloride, behenyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and mixtures of these compounds.

In the compounds of formula (5), one, two, or three of the groupsdesignated by R²¹, R²², R²³ and R²⁴ that may contain 8 to 35 of totalcarbon atoms (preferably 8 to 26 carbon atoms) can be OH-substituted orcleaved by functional group of the following formulae: —O—CONH—OCO—, or—COO—. The aforementioned groups designated by R²¹, R²², R²³ and R²⁴ maycomprise linear or branched alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, or aliphaticacryloxy(polyethoxy)ethyl groups (hereinafter referred to aslong-chained groups), the remaining groups are alkyl groups orhydroxyalkyl groups with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or polyoxyethylene groupswith the total addition mole number not exceeding 10; X″ designates ahalogen ion or an organic anion.

The following are examples of compounds having one long-chained groupamong R²¹, R²², R²³ and R²⁴: stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride,hydroxystearyl methyl ammonium chloride, capryl trimethyl ammoniumchloride, myristyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl trimethyl ammoniumchloride, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, behenyl trimethyl ammoniumchloride, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride,N-stearyl-N,N,N-tri(polyoxyethylene)ammonium chloride (total 3 moleadded), etc.

The following are examples of compounds having two long-chained groupsamong R²¹, R²², R²³ and R²⁴: distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride,di-hydrogenated-tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, di-tallow dimethylammonium bromide, dioleyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dipalmitylmethylhydroxyethyl ammonium methosulfate, distearyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride, diisostearyl dimethyl ammonium methosulfate,di[(2-dodecanoylamino)ethyl]dimethyl ammonium chloride,di[(2-stearoylamino)propyl]dimethyl ammonium ethosulfate, etc.

The following are examples of compounds having three long-chained groupsamong R²¹, R²², R²³ and R²⁴: dioleyl monostearyl methyl ammoniumchloride, dioleyl monobehenyl methyl ammonium chloride, trioleyl methylammonium chloride, tristearyl methyl ammonium methosulfate, etc.

In addition to the above, the aforementioned compounds may beexemplified by branch-chained quaternary ammonium salts represented bybelow-given general formula (5A) or (5B), and by quaternary ammoniumsalts represented by below-given general formula (5C).

[in the above formula, R²⁸ may designate a mixture of

-   (a) a branched alkyl group represented by formula:

CH₃—(CH₂)_(i); —CH(R³⁴)—CH₂—

(wherein R³⁴ is a methyl or ethyl group, and “i” is an integer that hasa total number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group that is within therange of 8 to 16); and

-   (b) a linear alkyl groups represented by formula:

CH₃—(CH₂)_(j)—

(wherein “j” is an integer within the range of 7 to 15), with theproviso that the branch chain index [(a)/[(a)+(b)]] should be within therange of 10 to 100 mole %.

-   R²⁹ and R³⁰ designate alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups with 1 to 3    carbon atoms.-   R³¹ and R³² designate alkyl groups with 2 to 12 carbon atoms.-   R³³ designates group represented by formula:

R³¹—CH₂CH₂CH(R³²)CH₂—

or an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms. X⁻ has the same meaning asdefined above.]

[In the above formula, R³⁵ and R³⁶ designate alkyl or alkenyl groupswith 8 to 22 carbon atoms that can be substituted with hydroxysilylgroups. R³⁷ and R³⁸ designate —(CH₂CH₂O)_(p)H (where “p” is a numberbetween 1 to 6) or alkyl groups with 1 to 3 carbon atoms. “k” and “m”are numbers from 0 to 5; X⁻ has the same meaning as defined above.]

The following are specific examples of X⁻ which is a counter ion of theaforementioned quaternary ammonium salts: a chlorine, iodine, bromine,or similar halogen ion; methosulfate, ethosulfate, methophosphate,ethophosphate, or a similar organic anion.

Among the above, the branch-chained quaternary ammonium saltsrepresented by aforementioned general formula (5A) are normallysynthesized by using an oxoalcohol with 8 to 16 carbon atoms as astarting material. Such salts can be exemplified by dialkyl dimethylammonium salt having an alkyl group and derived from oxoalcohol, dialkylmethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium salts, etc.

According to the present invention, the branch chain index of R²⁸ inaforementioned general formula (5A) should be normally kept within therange of 10 to 100 mole %, preferably 10 to 50 mole %. The total numberof carbon atoms in R²⁸ should be within the range of 8 to 16, but formaintaining stability of distribution, the following distributionpattern is recommended: C₈ to C₁₁: below 5 mole %; C₁₂: 10 to 35 mole %;C₁₃: 15 to 40 mole %; C₁₄: 20 to 45 mole %; C₁₅: 5 to 30 mole %; C₁₆:below 5 mole %.

An appropriate branch-chained quaternary ammonium salt can beexemplified, e.g., by a branch-chained dialkyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride with the branch chain index of 10 to 50 mole % having an alkylgroup and 8 to 16 carbon atoms.

The branch-chained quaternary ammonium salt represented byaforementioned general formula (5B) is normally synthesized by usingGuerbet alcohol of formula [R³¹—CH₂CH₂CH(R³²)CH₂OH] with 8 to 28 carbonatoms.

Most preferable among the branch-chained quaternary ammonium salts arethe following: alkyl trimethoxy ammonium salt that contains an alkylgroup derived from Guerbet alcohol having 8 to 28 atoms, a dialkyldimethyl ammonium salt, dialkyl methyl hydroxyethyl ammonium salt, etc.Most preferable among the above are, e.g., 2-decyltetradecyl trimethylammonium chloride, 2-dodecylhexadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride,di-2-hexyldecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, di-2-octyldodecyl dimethylammonium chloride, etc.

The quaternary ammonium salts represented by aforementioned generalformula (5C) are disclosed, e.g., in International Patent ApplicationPublications WO 93/10748, WO 92/06899, WO 94/16677, and others. Inparticular, it is preferable that in aforementioned formula (5C), R³⁵and R³⁶ are comprised of oleyl groups or alkyl groups with 12 to 18carbon atoms, R³⁷ is comprised of a methyl group, R³⁸ is comprised of—CH₂CH₂OH, “k” and “m” are, preferably, 0.

Examples of preferable quaternary ammonium salts having alkenyl groupsor alkyl groups cleaved by functional groups represented by —OCO— or—COO— are quaternary ammonium salts represented by general formula (5D)or (5E) and disclosed, e.g., in Kokai 2000-128740 and Kokai 2000-143458.

[In the above formulae, R³⁹ designates an alkenyl or alkyl group with 7to 37 carbon atoms; R⁴⁰ designates an alkylene group with 1 to 5 carbonatoms. R⁴¹, R⁴², and R⁴³ are alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups with 1 to 4carbon atoms, respectively; X⁻ has the same meaning as defined above.

In above formulae (5D) and (5E), R³⁹ may designate linear or branchedalkenyl or alkyl groups with 7 to 21 carbon atoms, and preferably, 11 to18 carbon atoms.

-   R⁴⁰ may designate an ethylene group or n-propylene group.-   R⁴¹, R⁴², and R⁴³ may represent methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, and    hydroxypropyl groups.    Specific examples of X⁻ are Cl⁻, Br⁻, or other halogen ions, and    alkyl sulfate ion with 1 to 5 carbon atoms (CH₃SO₄ ⁻, C₂H₅SO₄ ⁻,    C₃H₇SO⁻, etc.), alkyl carbonate ion (CH₃CO₃), etc., of which Cl⁻,    Br⁻, CH₃SO⁴ ⁻, C₂H₅SO₄ ⁻, and CH₃CO₃ ⁻ are preferable.

Further preferable quaternary ammonium salts of general formula (5) arelinear alkyl or alkenyl groups with 12 to 22 carbon atoms represented byR²¹, mono-long chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having alkyl groupswith 1 to 3 carbon atoms represented by R²², R²³, and R²⁴, and a dialkylquaternary ammonium salt represented by aforementioned general formula(5A) and having an alkyl group with 8 to 16 carbon atoms and the branchchain index within the range of 10 to 50 mole %. Most preferable arealkyl or alkenyl groups with 12 to 22 carbon atoms represented by R²¹and mono-long-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt having an alkylgroups with 1 to 3 carbon atoms represented by R²², R²³, and R²⁴.

In the tertiary amine represented by aforementioned general formula (6),R²⁵ may represent linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl groups with 8 to26 carbon atoms that can be OH-substituted or cleaved by functionalgroups of the following formulae: —O—, —CONH—OCO—, or —COO—; R²⁶designates a hydroxyalkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkyl group with 1 to5 carbon atoms; both R²⁶'s may be the same or different.

The following are specific examples of tertiary amines represented byaforementioned general formula (6): distearyl methylamine, dioleylmethylamine, dipalmitoylamine, stearyldimethylamine,stearyldiethylamine, behenyldimethylamine, behenyldiethylamine,oleyldimethylamine, palmitoyldimethylamine, etc.

Compounds that are comprised of alkyl or alkenyl groups that contain 8to 35 of total carbon atoms and can be cleaved by —CONH— are representedby amidoamines of below-given general formula (6A).

(where R⁴⁴ is an alkyl or alkenyl group with 16 to 22 carbon atoms,R⁴⁵'s are both alkyl groups with 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and “q” is anumber between 1 and 3.)

The following are examples of amidoamines of general formula (6A):stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, stearamidopropyl diethylamine,stearamidoethyl diethylamine, stearamidoethyl dimethylamine,palmitoamidopropyl dimethylamine, palmitoamidopropyl diethylamine,palmitoamidoethyl dimethylamine, behenamidopropyl dimethylamine,behenamidopropyl diethylamine, behenamidoethyl diethylamine,behenamidoethyl dimethylamine, arachidamidopropyl dimethylamine,arachidamidopropyl diethylamine, arachidamidoethyl diethylamine,arachidamidoethyl dimethylamine, and mixtures of the aforementionedcompounds. Most preferable are stearamidopropyl dimethylamine,stearamidoethyl diethylamine, and their mixtures.

Tertiary amines and amidoamines have different pH, but when they areused as salts, they have to be combined with organic and/or inorganicacids, such as phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid,L-glutamic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid,tartaric acid, glycolic acid, and citric acid, or mixtures of the above.Most preferable are L-glutamic acid, lactic acid, and hydrochloric acid,or their mixtures.

It is also recommended that R²⁵ in aforementioned general formula (6) berepresented by linear alkyl or alkylene groups with 12 to 22 carbonatoms, and each R²⁶ be represented by mono-long-chain alkyl tertiaryamine having an alkyl group with 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and by amidoamineof formula (6A).

The composition of the invention may contain a cationic surface-agent(D) of one or more types.

In the composition, the cationic surface-active agent (D) (or the sum ofthese agents when they are added in more than one type) should be usedin the amount of 0.001 to 20 mass % (per total weight of the compositionas a reference), preferably in the amount of 0.005 to 15 mass %, evenmore preferably, 0.01 to 10 mass %, and still further preferably, 0.01to 5 mass %, but the most preferable amount is 0.1 to 3 mass %. If thecationic surface-active agent (D) is added in the amount less than thelower recommended limit, it will not produce a sufficient synergisticeffect, and the obtained composition for hair will not impart to hair asufficient rinse effect. On the other hand, if the cationicsurface-active agent (D) is used in an excessive amount, the obtainedcomposition will become too viscous.

<Surface-Active Agent (E)>

The surface-active agent (E) that constitutes an optional component ofthe composition of the invention may be selected from one or more typesof anionic surface-active agents, amphoteric surface-active agents, andnonionic surface-active agents.

Coexistence of agent (E) with other components of the compositionproduces an emulsification action and imparts to the composition animproved rinsing effect.

Anionic surface-active agents suitable for use as surface-active agent(E) may be exemplified by a fatty acid soap, a-acylsulfonic acid salt,alkylsulfonic salt, alkylaryl and alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid salt,alkylsulfuric acid salt, polyoxyethylene alkylether sulfuric acid salt,alkylamidosulfuric acid salt, alkylphosphoric acid salt,alkylamidophosphoric acid salt, alkyloylalkyltaurine salt,N-long-chain-acyalamino acid salt, polyoxyethylene alkylether carboxylicacid salt, a-sulfofatty acid salt, phosphoric acid alkyl (C₁₂ to C₂₂)ester type surface-active agent or ethyleneoxide adducts thereof,sulfosuccinic acid type surface-active agent, amidoethylsulfate typesurface-active agent, etc.

The following are examples of nonionic surface-active agents suitablefor use as surface-active agent (E): polyoxyethylene alkylether,alkylaryl polyoxyethylene ether, alkylolamide, alkylglycerine ether typepolyoxyethylene ether, polyoxyethylene ether of polypropyleneglycolester, polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene ether ofglycerin and fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene ether of fatty acidsorbitane ester, fatty acid ester of sorbitolpolyoxyethylene, cane sugarester, polyoxyethylene fatty acid amide, polyoxyethylene alkylamine,alkyl polyglycoside compound, polyglycerol type compound, higher fattyacid alkanolamide, etc.

Amphoteric surface-active agents suitable for use as surface-activeagent (E) can be of a betaine type (carboxybetaine, sulfobetaine),amidobetaine type, aminocarboxylic acid salt type, or an imidazolinetype.

Normally, the composition of the invention should contain asurface-active agent (E) (or the sum of these agents when they are addedin more than one type) in the amount of 0.01 to 40 mass % (per totalweight of the composition as a reference), preferably in the amount of0.1 to 30 mass %, and even more preferably, 1 to 25 mass %.

<Water-Soluble Polymer (F)>

The water-soluble polymer (F) that constitutes an optional component ofthe composition of the invention may be selected from one or more typesof anionic water soluble polymers, cationic water-soluble polymers, andamphoteric water-soluble polymers.

Coexistence of polymer (F) with other components of the compositionimproves the-feel of use.

There are no special restrictions with regard to compounding ofwater-soluble polymer (F), and the latter can be compounded withconventional cosmetic or external application material.

Anionic water-soluble polymers suitable for use as polymer (F) may beexemplified by a xanthan gum, carrageenan, sodium alginate, gum arabic,pectin, carboxyvinyl polymer, etc.

Other examples include a hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatansulfuate, keratan sulfate, heparan sulfate, or salts of the above.

Cationic water-soluble polymers suitable for use as polymer (F) may beexemplified, e.g., by cation-modified cellulose ether derivatives(polymer JR (U.C.C.), or the like), cationic starch, cationic guar gum,diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride type polymer (Merquat (Merck), etc.),polyacrylic acid derivative type quaternary ammonium (Cartex (NationalStarch), etc.), polyamide derivative type quaternary ammonium (Sandoz,etc.), polyoxyethylene polyalkylene polyamine (Polycoat (Henkel) etc.

Amphoteric water-soluble polymers suitable for use as polymer (F) may beexemplified, e.g., by copolymers of monomers with anionic groups such ascarboxylic groups, sulfonic groups, etc. and monomers with basicnitrogen atoms; polymers or copolymers of carboxybetainic type monomers;as well as compounds where anionic groups such as carboxy groups orsulfonic groups are introduced into cationic polymers or where basicnitrogen-containing groups are introduced into anionic polymers, e.g.,copolymers of monomers with acrylamide groups or similar non-ionicgroups and monomers with basic nitrogen-containing groups.

Commercially produced amphoteric water-soluble polymers suitable for thecomposition may be exemplified by MERQUAT Plus 3330 (the product ofCALGON Co.) that comprises a copolymer of an acrylic acid, diallylquaternary ammonium salt, and acrylamide. The non-ionic water-solublepolymers can be represented by hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, dextrin,galactan, pullulan, etc.

Most preferable of the above are cationic water-soluble polymers andamphoteric water-soluble polymers. If the aforementioned polymer isadded in the amount not detrimental to the purposes of the presentinvention (i.e., is not flying away and do not make the hair starchy),it can contribute to the effects of the invention by imparting to hairsmoothness during detergent washing.

<Liquid Cyclic Silicone (G)>

The liquid cyclic silicone (G) that constitutes an optional component ofthe composition is used as a solvent for dissolving block copolymer (A)which is an indispensable component. The effect of the liquid cyclicsilicone (G) consists in that, by uniformly dissolving block copolymer(A) in liquid cyclic silicone (G,) it becomes possible to provide a moreuniform distribution thereof during application. Furthermore, additionof liquid cyclic silicone (G) to the composition of the inventionimparts to hair an emollient sensation.

Specific examples of liquid cyclic silicone (G) are common compoundsthat are known as octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane,decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, and tetradecamethylcyclohexasiloxane.

<Liquid Chain-Type Silicone (H)>

The liquid chain-type silicone (H) that constitutes an optionalcomponent of the composition is used as a solvent for dissolving blockcopolymer (A) which is an indispensable component. The effect of theliquid cyclic silicone (H) consists in that by uniformly dissolvingblock copolymer (A) in liquid cyclic silicone (G), it becomes possibleto provide a more uniform distribution thereof during application.Furthermore, addition of liquid cyclic silicone (G) to the compositionof the invention imparts to hair an emollient sensation.

An example of liquid chain-type silicone (H) is a dimethylpolysiloxane(viscosity 0.65 to 10 cSt/25° C.).

<Liquid Isoparaffin-Type Hydrocarbon (I)>

The liquid isoparaffin-type hydrocarbon (I) that constitutes an optionalcomponent of the composition is used as a solvent for dissolving blockcopolymer (A) which is an indispensable component. The effect of theliquid isoparaffin-type hydrocarbon (I) consists in that by uniformlydissolving block copolymer (A) in liquid isoparaffin-type hydrocarbon(I), it becomes possible to provide a more uniform distribution thereofduring application. Furthermore, addition of liquid isoparaffin typehydrocarbon (I) to the composition of the invention imparts to hair anemollient sensation.

An example of liquid isoparaffin-type hydrocarbon (I) is a paraffin-typehydrocarbon that at a normal pressure has a boiling point within therange of 60 to 350° C. This can be, e.g., Isopar Type A (registeredtrade mark of Exxon Co.), as well as types C, D, E, G, H, K, L, M of thesame tradename, Shellsol 71 (trademark of Shell Co.), Solutol type 100(registered trademark of Philip Co.), types 130 and 220 of the sametrademark, Parleam 4 (registered trademark of Nippon Oils and Fats Co.,Ltd.), type EX and 6 of the same trademark, etc.

<Liquid or Solid Ester Oil (J)>

The liquid or solid ester oil (J) that constitutes an optional componentof the composition is used as a solvent for dissolving block copolymer(A) which is an indispensable component. The effect of the liquid orsolid ester oil (J) consists in that by uniformly dissolving blockcopolymer (A) in liquid or solid ester oil (J), it becomes possible toprovide a more uniform distribution thereof during application.Furthermore, addition of liquid or hard ester oil (J) to the compositionof the invention imparts to hair an emollient sensation.

The following are examples of the liquid or solid ester oils (J):isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, cetyl 2-ethylhexanoate,isocetyl 2-ethylhexanoate, glycerin tri-2-ethylhaxanoate,trimethylolpropane tri-2-ethylhexanoate, caprylic-capric triglyceride,glycerin triisostearate, 2-ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, pentaerythritoltetra-2-ethylhexanoate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate, octyldodecylmyristate, octyl palmitate, isooctyl palmitate, octyl stearate, isooctylstearate, butyl stearate, myristyl myristate, stearyl stearate, isononylisononanoate, isodecyl isonanoate, isotridecyl isonanoate, 2-ethylhexylisonanoate, isopropyl isostearate, 2-hexyldecyl isostrearate,propyleneglycol isostearate, polyethyleneglycol isostearate,polyethyleneglycol diisostearate, pentaerythritol tetraisostearate,octyl isopalmitate, isocetyl pivalate, octyldodecyl pivalate,octyldodecyl lactate, isobutyl adipate, 2-ethylhexylsuccinate,neopentylglycol di-2-ethylhexanoate, polyglyceryl diisostearate,polyglyceryl tetraisostearate, hexyl laurate, diisopropyl dimerate, etc.

<Compounded Quantities of Solvent Components>

In the preparation of the composition of the invention, block copolymer(A) can be preliminarily dissolved in the aforementioned solventcomponent (such as a liquid cyclic silicone (G), liquid chain-typesilicone (H), liquid isoparaffin type hydrocarbon (I), liquid or solidester oil (J)) to form a liquid (or solid) solution. If necessary,however, the block copolymer (A) and the solvent can be added to thesystem separately. The solvent components can be of one or more types.The total amount of the solvent can be selected as 0.1 to 50 times(mass) per quantity (mass) of block copolymer (A), or 0.01 to 80 mass %per total mass of the composition for hair. When it is used as adetergent, the added amount should be within 20 mass %. If the solventcomponent is added in an amount below 0.1 times (mass), the dissolvingor diluting effect of the solvent will be insufficient. If, on the otherhand, the solvent component is added in an amount exceeding 50 times(mass), the concentration of block copolymer (A) will be too low, sothat the composition will have an insufficient hair-treatment effect.

<Emulsifier>

As mentioned above, in the preparation of the composition of theinvention by compounding block copolymer (A), it is preferable toprepare the composition in the form of a solution obtained by dissolvingthe block copolymer (A) in the aforementioned solvent component.Properties and effects of the obtained composition for hair can befurther improved by additionally compounding the prepared liquid (orsolid) solution of block copolymer (A) with an emulsifier. Addition ofthe emulsifier will improve uniformity of the solution and uniformity indissolving other additives.

The following are examples of emulsifiers, other than those used assurface-active agents (E): polyoxyethylenealkyl ether,polyoxyethylenealkylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylenecholesteryl ether,polyoxyethylenesorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethyleneglyceryl fattyacid ester, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyethyleneglycolfatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, cane sugar fatty acidester, polyether-modified silicone, or similar nonionic active agents,stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride,cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, behenyl trimethyl ammonium chloride,cetylpyridinium chloride, or similar cationic active agents, sodiumcetyl sulfate, sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate, sodiumlauryl sulfate, potassium cocoate, sodium cocoate methyltaulin, orsimilar anionic active agent.

<Water-Soluble Polyhydric Alcohol (K)>

Properties and storage stability of the composition of the invention canbe further improved if, in compounding and emulsifying the solution ofblock copolymer (A) with the emulsifier, the composition is furthercombined with a water-soluble polyhydric alcohol.

The aforementioned water-soluble polyhydric alcohol can be representedby ethyleneglycol, propyleneglycol, 1,3-butyleneglycol,1,4-butyleneglycol, dipropyleneglycol, glycerin, diglycerin,triglycerin, tetraglycerin, glucose, maltose, maltitol, cane sugar,fructose, xylitol, sorbitol, maltotriose, threitol, erythritol, starch,decomposed sugar reducing alcohol, hyaluronic acid, etc. The compositionmay incorporate one or more types of these alcohols.

<Other Additives>

In addition to the components described above, the composition of theinvention may be compounded with other optional components, providedthat they are added in the amounts and within the qualitative limits notconflicting with the object of the present invention. Such otheradditives may comprise liquid paraffin, squarane, lanolin derivatives,higher alcohols, avocado oil, palm oil, tallow, jojoba oil, siliconeoil, polyalkyleneglycol polyether, and their carboxylic acid oligoestercompounds, terpene-type hydrocarbon oil, or similar oil fractions,ethyleneglycol, propyleneglycol, 1,3-butyleneglycol, glycerin, sorbitol,polyethyleneglycol, or similar water-soluble polyhydric alcohols,hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfuric acid, pyrrolidone-carboxylic acidsalt, or similar moisturizer, ultraviolet ray absorber, ultraviolet raydisperser, acrylic resin, silicone resin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, orsimilar resins, soybean protein, gelatin, collagen, silk fibroin,elastin, or similar proteins or products of protein decomposition,ethylparaben, butylparaben, or similar antiseptics, various amino acids,biotin, pantothenic acid derivatives, or similar promoters, γ-olizanol,soditun dextrasulfate, vitamin E derivatives, nicotinic acidderivatives, or similar blood flow improving agents, sulfur, thiantol,or other anti-seborrhea agents, ethanol, isopropanol,tetrachlorodifluoroethane, or similar diluents, carboxyvinyl polymer, orsimilar thickeners, pharmaceutical substances, deodorants, coloringagents, etc.

<Hair Cosmetics>

The composition of the invention can be compounded with various cosmeticmaterials suitable for hair, such as pre-shampoos, hair rinses, hairconditioners, hair treatments, set lotions, blow styling lotions, hairsprays, styling foams, styling gels, hair liquids, hair tonics, haircreams, temporary hair dyes, etc. The composition of the invention canbe arbitrarily used in various systems such as solutions, emulsions,dispersed powders, two layer systems such as oil-water, three-layersystems such as oil water-powder, etc. In case of emulsion, an oil phasethat contains block copolymer (A) can be emulsified with the use of anemulsification agent, such as, e.g., a nonionic surface-active agent,cationic surface-active agent, anionic surface-active agent, or amixture of the above. Furthermore, in case of emulsification, theemulsification agent can be dissolved in a water-soluble polyhydricalcohol, and the emulsified composition can be prepared by adding an oilfraction that contains block copolymer (A) and then emulsifying themixture. The emulsion can be prepared by diluting the obtainedemulsified composition with water.

EXAMPLES OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be further described with reference to practicalexamples, which, however, should not be construed as limiting thepresent invention.

The following block copolymers (A-1) to (A-4) were used in thesubsequent practical examples as the aforementioned block copolymer (A).

[Block Copolymer (A-1)]

This block copolymer is represented by aforementioned general formula(1): [where R¹ is a methyl group;

-   Y¹ is a group of formula: —CH₂CH (CH₃)CH₂—;-   R² is a group of formula: —CH₂CH (CH₃)CH₂—O—(C₂H₄O)₁₄—CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂-   “a” is 199;-   “b1” is 14;-   “b2” is 0;-   “c” is 13;-   the average molecular weight of the polyorganosiloxane block is    14,900;-   the polyorganosiloxane block constitutes 95.7 mass % of block    copolymer (A-1); the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene    block is 610; and the average molecular weight of block copolymer    (A-1) is 218,000.]

[Block Copolymer (A-2)]

This block copolymer is represented by aforementioned general formula(1):

[where R¹ is a methyl group;

-   Y¹ is a group of formula: —CH₂CH (CH₃)CH₂—;-   R² is a group of formula:

—CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—O—(C₂H₄O)₂₃—(C₃H₆O)₆—CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂;

-   “a” is 160;-   “b1” is 23;-   “b2” is 6;-   “c” is 7;-   the average molecular weight of the polyorganosiloxane block is    12,000;-   the polyorganosiloxane block constitutes 88.7 mass % of block    copolymer (A-2); the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene    block is 1,360; and-   the average molecular weight of block copolymer (A-2) is 109,000.]

[Block Copolymer (A-3)]

This block copolymer is represented by aforementioned general formula(1): [where R¹ is a methyl group;

-   Y¹ is a group of formula: —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—;-   R² is a group of formula:

—CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂ —O—(C₂H₄O)₂₀—(C₃H₆O)₃₅CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂;

-   “a” is 141;-   “b1” is 20;-   “b2” is 35;-   “c” is 24;-   the average molecular weight of the polyorganosiloxane block is    10,600;-   the polyorganosiloxane block constitutes 77.8 mass % of block    copolymer (A-3); the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene    block is 2,900; and-   the average molecular weight of block copolymer (A-3) is 343,000.]

[Block Copolymer (A-4)]

This block copolymer is represented by aforementioned general formula(1): [where R¹ is a methyl group;

-   Y¹ is a group of formula: —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—;-   R² is a group of formula:

—CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—O—(C₂H₄O)₄₆—(C₃H₆O)₁₅—CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂;

-   “a” is 385;-   “b1” is 46;-   “b2” is 15;-   “c” is 29;-   the average molecular weight of the polyorganosiloxane block is    28,500;-   the polyorganosiloxane block constitutes 90.7 mass % of block    copolymer (A-4);-   the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene block is 2,900;    and-   the average molecular weight of block copolymer (A-4) is 949,000.]

For the sake of comparison, block copolymer (B) was used in the form ofbelow-given block copolymer (B-1). Furthermore, block copolymer (B) inthe form of block copolymer (B-2) was used in combination with blockcopolymer (A).

[Block Copolymer (B-1)]

This block copolymer is represented by aforementioned general formula(2): [where R³ is a methyl group;

-   Y³ is a group of formula: —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—;-   R⁴ is a group of formula:

—CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—O—(C₂H₄O)₂₃—(C₃H₆O)₆—CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂;

-   “a”' is 40;-   “b3” is 23;-   “b4” is 6;-   “c′” is 1;-   the average molecular weight of the polyorganosiloxane block is    3,100;-   the polyorganosiloxane block constitutes 58.1 mass % of block    copolymer (B-1);-   the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene block is 1,360;    and-   the average molecular weight of block copolymer (B-1) is 10,700].

[Block Copolymer (B-2)]

This block copolymer is represented by aforementioned general formula(2): [wherein “a′” is 25, “c′” is 0;

among 52 groups designated by R³, 49 groups are methyl groups and 3groups are those expressed by formula:

—(CH₂)₃ —O—(C₂H₄O)₂₀(C₃H₆O)₁₅—C₄H₉;

-   R⁴ is a methyl group;-   the average molecular weight of the polyorganosiloxane block is    2,000;-   the polyorganosiloxane block constitutes 26.0 mass % of the block    copolymer (B-2);-   the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene block is 1,900;    and-   the average molecular weight of block copolymer (B-2) is 7,700]    [Reactive Block Copolymer (a-1)]

For the sake of comparison, the block copolymer was used in the form ofa reactive block copolymer (a-1) represented by the following formula:

(wherein R^(c) is a group of formula:

—CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—O—(C₂H₄O)₁₀—CH₂C(CH₃)═CH₂;

and X^(c) is a group of formula: —(CH₂)₃—NH—(CH₂)₂—NH₂].

Furthermore, block copolymer (C) that was combined with block copolymer(A) was used in the form of below-given reactive silicone (C-1), and forthe sake of comparison, block copolymer (C) was used in the form ofbelow-given reactive silicone (C-2).

[Reactive Silicone (C-1)]

The silicone compound was represented by aforementioned general formula(3) [where R⁸, R⁹, and R¹⁰ designate methyl groups, and X¹ is a group offormula: —(CH₂)₃—NH—(CH₂)₂—NH₂;

-   “q” is 300, and “r” is 1.]

[Reactive Silicone (C-2)]

The silicone compound was represented by aforementioned general formula(3) [wherein R⁸ is a hydroxyl group, R⁹ and R¹⁰ designate methyl groups,and X¹ is a group of formula: —(CH₂)₃—NH—(CH₂)₂—NH₂; “q” is 3000, and“r” is 6.]

Practical Examples 1 to 24 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6

Shampoo compositions were prepared by a conventional method withproportions of components shown in following Tables 1 to 5 (in mass %units).

TABLE 1 Practical Examples 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sodium dodecyl sulfate 20 20 2020 20 20 Block copolymer (A-1) 0.05 0.10 0.50 1.00 0.50 0.50 Blockcopolymer (B-2) — — — — 0.05 — Reactive silicone (C-1) — — — — — 0.05Dimethylpolysiloxane (5 cs) 0.075 0.15 0.75 1.50 0.75 0.75 Water BalanceBalance Balance Balance Balance Balance

TABLE 2 Practical Examples 7 8 9 10 11 12 Sodium dodecyl sulfate 20 2020 20 20 20 Block copolymer (A-2) 0.05 0.10 0.50 1.00 0.50 0.50 Blockcopolymer (B-2) — — — — 0.05 — Reactive silicone (C-1) — — — — — 0.05Dimethylpolysiloxane (5 cs) 0.075 0.15 0.75 1.50 0.75 0.75 Water BalanceBalance Balance Balance Balance Balance

TABLE 3 Practical Examples 13 14 15 16 17 18 Sodium dodecyl sulfate 2020 20 20 20 20 Block copolymer (A-3) 0.05 0.10 0.50 1.00 0.50 0.50 Blockcopolymer (B-2) — — — — 0.05 — Reactive silicone (C-1) — — — — — 0.05Dimethylpolysiloxane (5 cs) 0.075 0.15 0.75 1.50 0.75 0.75 Water BalanceBalance Balance Balance Balance Balance

TABLE 4 Practical Examples 19 20 21 22 23 24 Sodium dodecyl sulfate 2020 20 20 20 20 Block copolymer (A-4) 0.05 0.10 0.50 1.00 0.50 0.50 Blockcopolymer (B-2) — — — — 0.05 — Reactive silicone (C-1) — — — — — 0.05Dimethylpolysiloxane (5 cs) 0.075 0.15 0.75 1.50 0.75 0.75 Water BalanceBalance Balance Balance Balance Balance

TABLE 5 Comparative Examples 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sodium dodecyl sulfate 20 20 2020 20 20 Block copolymer (B-1) 0.5 — — — — — Reactive block copolymer(a-1) — 0.5 — — — — Polydimethylsiloxane — — 0.5 — — — gum (molecularweight = 2,000,000) Reactive silicone (C-1) — — — — 0.5 — Reactivesilicone (C-2) — — — — — 0.5 Dimethylpolysiloxane (5 cs) 0.75 0.75 0.753.0 0.15 0.75 Water Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance

All shampoo compositions of aforementioned Practical Examples 1 to 24and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 were evaluated with regard tofoamability and washability.

Furthermore, all obtained shampoo compositions were used and evaluated(functional evaluation by the testers) with regard to smoothness of hairafter washing and duration of this property, ease of combing after hairwash and duration of this property, moist feeling after washing anddrying and duration of this property, thick-film touch after washing anddrying and duration of this property, unfavorable feel of touch duringwashing (or in a wet state) of hair, unfavorable feel of touch afterwashing and drying, tackiness of hair after washing and drying.

The results of evaluation are shown in Tables 6 to 8 given below. Moredetailed description of the evaluation procedures and evaluationcriteria are described below.

(1) Foamability:

400 ml of solution with 1 mass % concentration of the test material wasprepared with the use of artificially-hardened water having 70 ppmconcentration of CaCO₃, and then the foaming amount was measured byusing a cylinder equipped with a stirrer. The following evaluationcriteria were used in this test:

[◯]: good bubbling

[Δ]: normal bubbling

[×]: poor bubbling

(2) Washability

A solution with 1 mass % concentration of the test material was preparedwith the use of artificially-hardened water (CaO/MgO=3/1.5 degrees ofwater hardness), and a dyed artificially soiled wool serge cloth waswashed. Washing was carried out in a tergotometer (JIS K-3371) at 40°C., washing efficiency was determined by means of the formula givenbelow, and then evaluation was carried out on the basis of the followingcriteria:

Washing Efficiency (%)=[(R _(w) −R _(s))/(R ₀ −R _(s))]×100,

where: R₀ is the reflection coefficient of the original cloth (woolserge);

R_(s) is the reflection coefficient of the soiled cloth;

R_(w) is the reflection coefficient of the soiled cloth after washing;

-   -   [◯]: reflection coefficient is equal to or greater than 80%        (good washability);    -   [Δ]: reflection coefficient is equal to or greater than 60% and        below 80% (normal washability);    -   [×]: reflection coefficient is below 60% (poor washability).

(3) Smoothness of the Hair

The testers actually washed their hair and made functional evaluation ofhair smoothness after washing and drying with the use of a dryer. Thefollowing criteria were used for evaluation:

[◯]: sufficient feel of smoothness;

[Δ]: some feel of smoothness;

[×]: no feel of smoothness.

(4) Duration of the Feel of Smoothness After Washing

Smoothness of the hair was evaluated by the same functional evaluationmethod as described in Item (3) but after the evaluators combed theirhair 50 times with a brush.

(5) Ease of Combing After Washing

Evaluators actually washed their hair and made functional evaluation ofease to comb after washing and drying the hair with a dryer. Thefollowing criteria were used for evaluation:

[◯]: Easy to comb;

[Δ]: rather easy to comb;

[×]: not easy to comb.

(6) Duration of Ease of Combing

This property was evaluated by the same functional evaluation method asdescribed in Item (5) but after the evaluators brushed their hair 50times.

(7) Moist Feeling After Washing and Drying the Hair

Evaluators actually washed their hair and made functional evaluation ofthe moist feeling after drying the hair with a dryer. The followingcriteria were used for evaluation:

[◯]: Sufficient moist feeling;

[Δ]: Some moist feeling;

[×]: No moist feeling.

(8) Duration of Moist Feeling After Washing and Drying the Hair

This property was evaluated by the same functional evaluation method asdescribed in Item (7) but after the evaluators brushed their hair 50times.

(9) Thick-Film Touch After Washing and Drying

Evaluators actually washed their hair and made functional evaluation ofthe thick-film touch after drying the hair with a dryer. The followingcriteria were used for evaluation:

[◯]: Sufficient thick-film touch;

[Δ]: Some thick-film touch

[×]: No thick-film touch.

(10) Duration of Thick-Film Touch After Washing and Drying

This property was evaluated by the same functional evaluation method asdescribed in Item (9) but after the evaluators brushed their hair 50times.

(11) Unfavorable Touch During Hair Washing

Evaluators actually washed their hair and made functional evaluation ofthe unfavorable touch during hair washing. The following criteria wereused for evaluation:

[◯]: No unfavorable touch;

[Δ]: Some unfavorable touch

[×]: Noticeable unfavorable touch.

(12) Unfavorable Touch After Washing-Drying and After Drying

Evaluators actually washed their hair and made functional evaluation ofthe unfavorable touch after drying the hair with a dryer, the evaluationbeing based on the same criteria as in Item (11).

(13) Tackiness of Hair After Washing and Drying

Evaluators actually washed their hair and made functional evaluation ofhair tackiness after drying the hair with a dryer. The followingcriteria were used:

[◯]: No tackiness sensed;

[Δ]: Some tackiness sensed

[×]: Hair is very tacky.

TABLE 6 Criteria/Evaluation Practical Examples Time 13 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 Foamability ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Washability ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Smooth- after washing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ness afterdrying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯Ease after washing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ of after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ combing after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Moist afterdrying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ feeling after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯◯ ◯ ◯ Thick-film after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ touch afterbrushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Un- after washing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯◯ favorable after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ touch Tackiness afterdrying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯

TABLE 7 Criteria/Evaluation Practical Examples Time 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 Foamability ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Washability ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯◯ ◯ ◯ Smooth- after washing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ness after drying ◯◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Ease ofafter washing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ combing after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Moist after drying ◯ ◯◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ feeling after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯Thick-film after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ touch after brushing ◯ ◯◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Un- after washing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ favorableafter drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ touch Tackiness after drying ◯ ◯ ◯◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯

TABLE 8 Comparative Examples Criteria/Evaluation Time 1 2 3 4 5 6Foamability ◯ ◯ Δ ◯ Δ Δ Washability ◯ ◯ Δ ◯ ◯ Δ Smoothness after washing◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ ◯ after drying Δ ◯ ◯ X ◯ ◯ after brushing X ◯ X X X Δ Ease ofafter washing ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ ◯ combing after drying Δ ◯ ◯ X ◯ ◯ afterbrushing X ◯ X X X Δ Moist after drying ◯ ◯ X X X X feeling afterbrushing Δ ◯ X X X X Thick-film after drying X X X X X X touch afterbrushing X X X X X X Unfavorable after washing ◯ X X X X X touch afterdrying Δ Δ X X X X Tackiness after drying X ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ ◯

As follows from the results shown in Tables 6 and 7, the compositions ofthe invention (the shampoo compositions used in Practical Examples 1 to24) impart to the hair smoothness, ease of combing, moist feeling, andthick-film touch. These properties are not lost even after multiplebrushing.

Unfavorable touch did not appear in the hair either in a moist stateafter washing, or in a dry state.

The hair does not become sticky after washing and drying.

The composition of the invention (the shampoo composition) ischaracterized by superb foamability and washability.

As can be seen from the results of Table 8, the shampoo composition ofComparative Example 1 that contains block copolymer (B-1) cannot impartto the washed 15 and dried hair sufficient smoothness and ease ofcombing. Moreover, these properties are impaired by brushing.Furthermore, the composition of the aforementioned comparative examplecannot impart to the hair the feel of thick-film touch but ratherproduces the unpleasant touch after the hair is dried.

The results of Table 8 also shows that the shampoo composition ofComparative 5 Example 2 causes unfavorable touch during washing of thehair and cannot produce the feel of thick-film touch.

As follows from the same Table 8, the shampoo composition of ComparativeExample 3 cannot maintain smoothness after washing and ease of combingimparted to the hair over a long time. This shampoo composition couldnot impart to the treated hair the moist feeling and thick-film touch.In both dried and moist state, the hair treated with the aforementionedshampoo acquired the unpleasant touch.

Practical Examples 25 to 27

Shampoo compositions were prepared by a conventional method withproportions of components shown in Table 9 (in terms of mass %).

TABLE 9 Pr. Ex. 25 Pr. Ex. 26 Pr. Ex. 27 Sodium lauroylmethyltaurate(anionic 20 — — surface-active agent) BetaineN-lauryldimethylaminoacetate — 15 — Imidazolium betaine — — 20 Blockcopolymer (A-1)  1  1  1 Cyclic silicone pentamer  2  2  2 Water balancebalance balance

The shampoo compositions of Practical Examples 25 to 27 imparted to thehair smoothness, ease of combing, moist feeling, and sensation ofthick-film touch. These properties did not disappear even after repeatedbrushing. Furthermore, neither in a moist state during washing, nor in adry state, the hair produced the feel of unpleasant touch.

The shampoo compositions of these practical examples demonstrated superbfoamability and washability.

Practical Examples 28 and 29

Shampoo compositions were prepared by a conventional method withproportions of components shown in Table 10 (in terms of mass %).

TABLE 10 Pr. Pr. Ex. 28 Ex. 29 Isozol 400 (a product of NipponPetrochemicals Co., 4.0 — Ltd.; low-boiling-point isoparaffm-typehydrocarbon) ICEH (Kokyu Alcohol Kogyo Co., Ltd.; ester-type — 1.0hydrocarbon) Block copolymer (A-1) 0.5 1.0 Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate8.0 8.0 Cocoyl propylamide bentaine 12.0 12.0 Coconut fatty aciddiethanolamide 4.0 4.0 Glycerin 2.0 2.0 Perfume 0.3 0.3 Water Balancebalance

The compositions of Practical Examples 28 and 29 imparted to the hairsmoothness, ease of combing, moist feeling, and sensation of thick-filmtouch. These properties did not disappear even after repeated brushing.Furthermore, neither in a moist state during washing, nor in a drystate, the hair produced the feel of unpleasant touch.

The shampoo compositions of these practical examples demonstrated superbfoamability and washability.

Practical Examples 30 to 33 and Comparative Examples 7 to 10

Hair rinse compositions were prepared by a conventional method withproportions of components shown in Table 11 (in terms of mass %). Allobtained hair rinse compositions were estimated as shown in Items [1]and [2] below.

TABLE 11 Practical Examples Comparative Examples 30 31 32 33 7 8 9 10Stearyl trimethyl ammonium 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 chlorideCetostearyl alcohol (C16/C18 = 7/3) 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0Block copolymer (A-1) 2.0 — — — — — — — Block copolymer (A-2) — 2.0 — —— — — — Block copolymer (A-3) — — 2.0 — — — — — Block copolymer (A-4) —— — 2.0 — — — — Block copolymer (B-1) — — — — — 2.0 — — Reactivesilicone (C-1) — — — — — — 2.0 — Reactive silicone (C-2) — — — — — — —2.0 Dimethylpolysiloxane (5 cs) 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0Methylparaben appropriate amounts Coloring and perfume additivesappropriate amounts Ion-exchange water balance

Evaluation [1]:

The hair rinse composition was applied onto the evaluator's hair thathad been washed with the below-given reference shampoo agent (pH=6.5),and the hair was then washed and dried. Following this, along withfunctional estimations of each shampoo composition by the evaluators inaccordance with the aforementioned Items (3) to (13), the functionalevaluation was conducted by the evaluators also with regard to softnessof the hair during rinsing with the rinse composition with subsequentdrying, evenness of the hair during rinsing with the rinse composition,and ease of hair setting.

The results of the aforementioned evaluation are shown in below-givenTable 12. The information about new items of evaluation. Evaluationmethods, and evaluation criteria are given below.

(14) Softness of the Hair During Washing

Functional evaluation of this property was carried out by using thefollowing criteria:

[◯]: Softness is noticeably better than the one obtained with the use ofthe below-described reference rinse composition (pH=4.8);

[Δ]: Softness is slightly better than the one obtained with the use ofthe below-described reference rinse composition;

[×]: Softness is the same as obtained with the use of thebelow-described reference rinse composition.

(15) Evenness of the Hair During Washing and After Drying

Functional evaluation of this property was carried out by using thefollowing criteria:

[◯]: Evenness is noticeably better than the one obtained with the use ofthe reference rinse composition;

[Δ]: Evenness is slightly better than the one obtained with the use ofthe reference rinse composition;

[×]: Evenness is the same obtained with the use of the reference rinsecomposition. 15

(16) Ease of Combing of the Hair After Drying

[◯]: Much easier than after the use of the reference rinse composition;

[Δ]: Slightly easier than after the use of the reference rinsecomposition;

[×]: The same effect as after the use of the reference rinsecomposition.

(Composition of the Reference Shampoo)

-   -   62% of the 25% polyoxyethylene laurylether sodium sulfate        solution (average added mole number of ethyleneoxide is 2.5)    -   2.3% of ethanolamide laurate;    -   0.1% of 2-sodium adetate;    -   0.5% of sodium benzoate;    -   0.8% of sodium chloride;    -   appropriate amount of 75% phosphoric acid;    -   appropriate amount of perfume;    -   appropriate amount of methylparaben;    -   balance—purified water

(Composition of the Hair Rinse)

-   -   2% of stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride;    -   3% of cetyl alcohol;    -   1% of propyleneglycol;    -   appropriate amount of citric acid;    -   appropriate amount of perfume;    -   appropriate amount of methylparaben;    -   balance—purified water

TABLE 12 Evaluation [1] Practical Examples Comparative Examples ItemTime 30 31 32 33 7 8 9 10 Feel of after rinsing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ ◯ Δ ◯Smoothness after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ ◯ ◯ after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X X X ΔEase of after rinsing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ ◯ Δ ◯ combing after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ ◯◯ after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ Δ ◯ Moist feeling after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X ◯X X after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ X X Thick-film after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X X XX touch after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X X X X Unfavorable during rinsing ◯ ◯ ◯◯ Δ ◯ X X touch after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ X X Tackiness after drying ◯ ◯◯ ◯ Δ X Δ ◯ Softness during rinsing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ Δ Δ Smoothness duringrinsing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ Δ ◯ after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ Δ ◯ Ease of hair afterdrying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X ◯ Δ Δ setting

Evaluation [2]:

Directly after Evaluation [1], the hair was washed for the second timebut with the use of the aforementioned reference shampoo agent. Afterwashing, the hair was dried. Evaluation was carried out in the samemanner as in Evaluation [1] (functional evaluation by evaluators). Theresults are shown in below-given Table 13.

TABLE 13 Evaluation [2] (after repeated washing) Practical ExamplesComparative Examples Item Time 30 31 32 33 7 8 9 10 Feel of afterrinsing with standard ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ Δ ◯ Smoothness shampoo after drying ◯◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ Δ ◯ after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X X X Δ Ease of after rinsing withstandard ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ Δ ◯ combing shampoo after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X X Δ ◯after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X X X Δ Moist feeling after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ XX after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ X X Thick-film after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X X X Xtouch after brushing ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ X X Unfavorable during rinsing with ◯ ◯◯ ◯ X Δ X X touch standard shampoo after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ X XTackiness after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ X Δ ◯ Softness during rinsing with ◯ ◯◯ ◯ X Δ Δ Δ standard shampoo Smoothness during rinsing with ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X ΔΔ ◯ standard shampoo after drying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X X Δ ◯ Ease of hair afterdrying ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ X Δ X Δ setting

Practical Examples 34 to 37

Hair rinse compositions were prepared by a conventional method withproportions of components shown in Table 14 (in terms of mass %).

TABLE 14 Practical Examples 34 35 36 37 Stearyl trimethyl ammonium 1.00.8 0.5 2.0 chloride Distearyl dimethyl ammonium 0.5 — — — chlorideCetostearyl alcohol (C16/C18 = 3.5 3.0 1.5 4.0 7/3) Block copolymer(A-1) 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Dimethylpolysiloxane (5 cs) 10.0 10.0 5.0 20.0Methylparaben appropriate amounts Coloring and perfume additivesappropriate amounts Ion-exchange water balance

The hair rinse compositions of Practical Examples 34 to 37 imparted tothe hair such properties as smoothness, ease of combing, moist feeling,and sensation of thick-film touch. These properties did not disappeareven after repeated brushing. Furthermore, neither in a moist stateduring washing, nor in a dry state, the hair produced the feel ofunpleasant touch.

After drying, the hair treated with these rinse compositions did notbecome tacky. Furthermore, the aforementioned hair rinse compositionsdemonstrated superb hair protective effect and effects of imparting tohair such properties as smoothness, absorption into hair, sustainabilityin hair gloss, and uniformity of coating.

The above-described effects of the hair rinse composition did notdisappear even after hair wash.

Practical Example 38

A hair rinse composition was prepared by a conventional method with thefollowing proportions of the components:

-   -   0.6 mass % of cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride:    -   20 mass % of cetostearyl alcohol (C16/C18=6/4);    -   3.0 mass % of block copolymer (A-1);    -   15.0 mass % of cyclic dimethylsiloxane pentimer;    -   1.0 mass % of glycerol monosterarate;    -   0.5 mass % of stearyc acid;    -   5.0 mass % of glycerin;    -   5.0 mass % of propyleneglycol; appropriate amount of Yellow        Color #4 (pigment);    -   appropriate amount of perfume;    -   appropriate amount of methylparaben;    -   appropriate amount of EDTA-3Na (chelate agent);    -   balance—ion-exchange water.

The above-described hair rinse composition imparted to the hairsmoothness, ease of combing, moist feeling, and sensation of thick-filmtouch. These properties did not disappear even after repeated brushing.Furthermore, neither in a moist state during washing, nor in a drystate, the hair produced the feel of unpleasant touch.

After drying, the hair treated with these rinse compositions did notbecome tacky. Furthermore, the aforementioned hair rinse compositionsdemonstrated superb stability and imparted to the hair smoothnessunattainable with conventional compositions of this type. In addition,the composition produced a hair protective effect.

Practical Example 39

A hair treatment cream was prepared by a conventional method with thefollowing proportions of the components:

-   -   3.0 mass % of behenyl trimethyl ammonium chloride;    -   6.5 mass % of cetostearyl alcohol (C16/C18=7/3);    -   2.0 mass % of behenyl alcohol;    -   20.0 mass % of dimethylsiloxane 5 cs;    -   6.0 mass % of block copolymer (A-1);    -   2.0 mass % of 2-octyl dodecanol;    -   0.3 mass %: polyoxyethylene hard castor oil derivative        (ethyleneoxide 60 mole adduct);    -   1.0 mass % of polyoxyethylene stearyl ether (ethyleneoxide 4        mole adduct);    -   0.5 mass % of soybean lecithin;    -   10 mass % of glycerin;    -   mass % of dipropylene glycol;    -   appropriate amount of Yellow Color #4 (pigment);    -   appropriate amount of perfume;    -   appropriate amount of methylparaben;    -   appropriate amount of EDTA-3Na (chelate agent);    -   balance—ion-exchange water.

The above-described hair treatment cream imparted to hair, especially todamaged hair, superb smoothness and sensation of thick-film touch, moistfeeling that suppressed dryness, and produced a high hair-protectiveeffect.

Practical Example 40

A liquid hair oil of high transparency and viscosity (500 cps) wasprepared by stirring and mixing at 70 to 80° C. the followingcomponents: (1) 70 parts by mass of light liquid isoparaffin (C11-13);(2) 20 parts by mass of dimethylpolysiloxane (5 cSt/25 ° C.); (3) 10.0parts by mass of block copolymer (A-1); and (4) an appropriate amount ofa perfume.

The obtained hair oil was applied onto locks of hair, and a coefficientof friction of hair was measured after application of the oil. Themeasurements showed that application of the hair oil significantlyreduced the coefficient of friction of the hair. Following this, thehair locks treated with the hair oil were washed twice. Measurement ofthe coefficient of friction after sufficient washing did not show anoticeable difference from the coefficients of friction measured priorto the washing. Thus it can be assumed that the hair oil of PracticalExample 40 can impart to hair sufficient smoothness. This property didnot disappear even after the hair was shampooed.

Brushing of the oil-treated hair locks 10,000 times produced only aninsignificant number of split hairs (only 10% or less of those nottreated with the oil). Furthermore, the obtained hair oil demonstrated asuperb repair effect for split hair.

Practical Example 41

A solution was prepared by dissolving 3.0 parts by mass of blockcopolymer (A-1) in 22.0 parts by mass of a light liquid paraffin(C12-15). The obtained solution was combined and emulsified with 6.0parts by mass of propyleneglycol and 2.0 parts by mass of apolyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil (80 moles of polyoxyethylene). Abasic component [of the target composition] was prepared by combiningand mixing the obtained system with 0.2 parts by mass of a cationiccellulose polymer JR-400 (the product of UCC Co.), 10.0 parts by mass ofa water-soluble Elastin, and 46.8 parts by mass of ion-exchange water.The obtained basic component was then loaded into an aerosol containerand formed into an aerosol-type hair damage prevention and repair agentby adding 10 parts by mass of a spray agent component(dimethylether/diclorodifluoromethane (40 parts by mass/60 parts bymass)).

The obtained hair damage prevention and repair agent was applied ontohair locks, and then coefficients of friction of the treated hair lockswere measured. The measurements showed a noticeable decrease of thecoefficients of friction on the treated hair locks. The treated hairlocks were washed twice with a shampoo. After being sufficiently washed,the hair locks were dried, and coefficients of friction were measuredagain. The measurements did not reveal a significant difference from theresults obtained prior to the washing. Thus it can be assumed that theobtained hair damage prevention and repair agent of Practical Example 41can impart to hair sufficient smoothness. This property did notdisappear even after the hair was shampooed.

Brushing of the agent-treated hair locks 10,000 times produced only aninsignificant number of split hair (only 10% or less of those nottreated with the agent). Furthermore, the obtained hair oil demonstrateda superb repair effect for split hair.

Practical Example 42

The below-given component (4) was dissolved in the below-given component(3); the obtained solution was combined and emulsified with below-givencomponents (1) and (2); and the system was then mixed with thebelow-given components (5), (6), and (7). The obtained mixture wasloaded into a dispenser container and thus prepared into a hair blowproduct.

-   -   (1) 5.0 parts by mass of decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane;    -   (2) 1.0 part by mass of block copolymer (A-1);    -   (3) 2.0 parts by mass of 1.3-butyleneglycol;    -   (4) 2.0 parts by mass of polyethylene (60) hard castor oil        ester;    -   (5) 15.0 parts by mass of ethyl alcohol;    -   (6) 75.0 parts by mass of purified water    -   (7) Appropriate amount of perfume.

Practical Example 43

The below-given component (2) was dissolved in the below-given component(1); the obtained solution was combined and emulsified with below-givencomponents (3) and (4); the system was then mixed with the below-givencomponents (5), (6), and (7). The obtained mixture was loaded into anaerosol container equipped with a valve and thus prepared into a hairmoose by adding the components (8) and (9).

-   -   (1) 20.0 parts by mass of decamethyl cyclopentasiloxane;    -   (2) 5.0 parts by mass of block copolymer (A-1);    -   (3) 5.0 parts by mass of dipropyleneglycol;    -   (4) 3.0 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene-modified        dimethylpolysiloxane (EO 50 mass %, viscosity 100 cSt/25° C.);    -   (5) 10.0 parts by mass of ethanol;    -   (6) 51.0 parts by mass of ion-exchange water;    -   (7) Appropriate amount of perfume;    -   (8) 4.0 parts by mass of butane;    -   (9) 2.0 parts by mass of dimethylethyl.

Practical Example 44

The below-given components (1) to (8) were stirred and dissolved at 70°C. The solution was added to and emulsified with another solutionprepared from components (9) 20 to (12), whereby a hair cream wasproduced.

-   -   (1) 5.0 parts by mass of TOP (ester oil, Kokyu Alcohol Kogyo        Co., Ltd.);    -   (2) 3.0 parts by mass of block copolymer (A-1);    -   (3) 5.0 parts by mass of dimethylpolysiloxane (20 cSt/25° C.);    -   (4) 8.0 parts by mass of tri-2-ethylhexane acid glycerin ester;    -   (5) 5.0 parts by mass of vaselin;    -   (6) 2.0 parts by mass of tearyl alcohol;    -   (7) 2.0 parts by mass of sorbitane monooleate;    -   (8) 2.0 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hard castor oil ester        (40 moles of polyoxyethylene);    -   (9) 5.0 parts by mass of glycerin;    -   (10) 5.0 parts by mass of hyaluronic acid;    -   (11) appropriate amount of antiseptic;    -   (12) balance—ion-exchange water

Practical Example 45

The below-given component (2) was dissolved in the below-given component(1); the mixture was then combined and emulsified with the below-givencomponents (3) and (4); the emulsion was loaded into a solution of thebelow-given components (5) to (8), whereby a hair lotion was produced.

-   -   (1) 10.0 parts by mass of isopropyl isostearate;    -   (2) 3.0 parts by mass of block copolymer (A-1);    -   (3) 2.0 parts by mass of 1,3-butylene glycol;    -   (4) 2.0 parts by mass of polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil        ester (60 moles of polyoxyethylene);    -   (5) 10.0 parts by mass of titanium oxide sol (Neosunveil W-10,        Catalysts & Chemical Industries, Co., Ltd.);    -   (6) 15.0 parts by mass of ethanol;    -   (7) 53.0 parts by mass of ion-exchange water;    -   (8) appropriate amount of perfume.

Practical Example 46

The below-given components (1) to (5) were mixed, dissolved and loadedinto an aerosol container equipped with a valve. The mixture was thencombined with a spray agent of the below-given components (6) and (7),whereby a hair spray was prepared.

-   -   (1) 40.0 parts by mass of light liquid paraffin (C12-15);    -   (2) 0.5 parts by mass of block copolymer (A-1);    -   (3) 2.0 parts by mass of ethanol;    -   (4) 10.0 parts by mass of isopropyl alcohol;    -   (5) appropriate amount of perfume;    -   (6) 7.0 parts by mass of propane;    -   (7) 3.0 parts by mass of dimethyl ether.

Effects of the Invention

The effects of the invention consist in that the compositions for hairproduced in accordance with the present invention impart to the hairsuch properties as the feel of moist, the feel of smoothness, thick-filmtouch, and ease of combing. These properties are long lasting and do notdisappear after repeated brushing and drying.

Furthermore, neither in a moist state during washing, nor in a drystate, the hair produced the feel of unpleasant touch.

The hair treated with the compositions of the invention do not becomesticky after drying.

The shampoo compositions of the invention demonstrated superbfoamability and washability.

The effects of the compositions of the invention to impart to the hairthe aforementioned properties (i.e., feel of moist, feel of smoothness,thick-film touch, ease of combing) are long lasting and cannot be easilylost even after the hair is washed.

1. A composition for hair comprising a block copolymer (A) representedby the following general formula (1):

wherein R¹ independently designates univalent hydrocarbon groups free ofaliphatic unsaturation, hydroxyl groups, or alkoxy groups; Y¹ designatesa bivalent organic group; R² independently designates hydrogen atoms,hydroxyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbongroups, alkoxy groups, or groups represented by the following formula:—Y³—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b1)(C₃H₆O)_(b2)—Y² (wherein Y² is a hydrogen atom or asubstituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon group); “a” is 1 or agreater integer; “b1” is 1 or a greater integer; “b2” is 0, 1 or agreater integer; “c” is 1 or a greater integer; the average molecularweight of the polyorganosiloxane block represented by formula:—(SiR¹ ₂O)_(a)SiR¹ ₂— is equal to or exceed exceeds 10,500; thepolyorganosiloxane block constitutes 50 to 99 mass % of block copolymer(A); the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene blockrepresented by formula:—(C₂H₄O)_(b1)(C₃H₆O)_(b2)— is within the range of 130 to 10,000; and theaverage molecular weight of aforementioned block copolymer (A) is equalto or higher than 50,000; and a block copolymer (B) represented by thefollowing general formula (2):

wherein R³ independently designates substituted or unsubstitutedunivalent hydrocarbon groups or groups of the following formula:—Y³—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)—Y⁴ (wherein Y³, b3, and b4 are definedbelow, Y⁴ designates hydrogen atoms or a substituted or unsubstitutedunivalent hydrocarbon group); Y³ designates a bivalent organic group; R⁴independently designates hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, substituted orunsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon groups, alkoxy groups, or groupsrepresented by the following formula:—Y³—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)—Y⁴; “a′” is an integer within the rangeof 1 to 1350; “b3” and “b4” are, respectively, integers within the rangeof 0 to 220 (but b3 and b4 cannot be both 0); “c′” is an integer withinthe range of 0 to 50; when c′ is 0, at least one of the groupsdesignated by R³ or R⁴ is represented by the formula:—Y³—O—(C₂H₄O)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)—Y⁴; the average molecular weight of thepolyorganosiloxane block represented by formula:—(SiR³ ₂O)_(a′)SiR³ ₂— is within the range of 134 to 10,000; thepolyorganosiloxane block constitutes 0.7 to 97.5 mass % of blockcopolymer (B); the average molecular weight of the polyoxyalkylene blockrepresented by formula:—(C₂H₄O)_(b3)(C₃H₆O)_(b4)— is within the range of 130 to 10,000; and theaverage molecular weight of block copolymer (B) is within the range of650 to 100,000; wherein each of block copolymer (A) and block copolymer(B) is present in the composition within the range of 0.01 to 10 mass %(per total weight of the composition as a reference).
 2. (canceled) 3.(canceled)
 4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a siliconecompound (C) of at least one type expressed by general formula (3) thatis contained in an amount of 0.01 to 10 mass % (per total weight of thecomposition as a reference).

In the above formula, R⁹ independently designates hydrogen atoms andsubstituted or unsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon groups; X¹ designatesa reactive functional group represented by formula:—R¹¹—Z¹ (where R¹¹ is a direct bond or a bivalent hydrocarbon group with1 to 20 carbon atoms, and Z¹ is a group that contains a reactive group);R⁸ are independently hydrogen atoms, hydroxyl groups, substituted orunsubstituted univalent hydrocarbon groups, alkoxy groups, or groupsrepresented by X¹; R¹⁰ represents either R⁹ or X¹; “q” is an integerthat may be at least 1; “r” is 0 or an integer that may be at least 1;and the average molecular weight of component (C) is within the range of250 to 1,000,000.
 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein in generalformula (3) for silicone compound (C), Z¹ designates an amino-containinggroup or an ammonium-containing group; when r=0, and at least one R⁸ isX¹.
 6. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a cationicsurface-active agent (D) of at least one type comprising any of thecompounds represented by general formulae (4), (5), and (6):

where in general formula (4), R¹² designates an alkyl group with 10 to24 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl groups, acyloxyalkyl groups bonded toalkyl groups with 10 to 24 carbon atoms, or amidoalkyl groups; R¹⁴ andR¹⁵ independently designates benzyl groups, hydroxyalkyl groups, oralkyl groups having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R¹³ may be R¹², R¹⁴, or R¹⁵;and X designates a halogen atom or an alkyl sulfuric acid group; wherein general formula (5), at least one of R²¹, R²², R²³, and R²⁴designates an aliphatic acryloxy(polyethoxy)ethyl group, alkenyl group,and a linear or branched alkyl group that contain 8 to 35 of totalcarbon atoms and can be OH-substituted or fissured by functional groupsof the following formulae: —O—, —CONH—, —OCO—, or —COO—. The remaininggroups may comprise hydroxyalkyl or alkyl groups with 1 to 5 carbonatoms, or polyoxyethylene groups with the total addition number notexceeding
 10. X⁻ designates a halogen ion or an organic anion; and wherein general formula (6), R²⁵ designates an alkenyl group and a linear orbranched alkyl group that contain 8 to 35 of total carbon atoms and canbe OH-substituted or cleaved by functional groups of the followingformulae: —O—, —CONH—, —OCO—, or —COO—. R²⁶ independently designates ahydroxyalkyl group, alkenyl group, or alkyl group with 1 to 22 carbonatoms.
 7. The composition of claim 1, further comprising asurface-active agent (E) of at least one type selected from an anionicsurface-active agent, amphoteric surface-active agent, and nonionicsurface-active agent, said agent being used in an amount of 0.01 to 40mass % (per total weight of the composition as a reference).
 8. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising a water-soluble polymer (F)added in an amount of 0.01 to 10 mass % (per total weight of thecomposition as a reference).
 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein saidblock copolymer (A) is dissolved in a liquid cyclic silicone (G). 10.The composition of claim 1, wherein said block copolymer (A) isdissolved in a liquid chain silicone (H).
 11. The composition of claim1, wherein said block copolymer (A) is dissolved in a liquidisoparaffin-type hydrocarbon (I).
 12. The composition of claim 1,wherein said block copolymer (A) is dissolved in a liquid or hard esteroil (J).
 13. The composition of claim 1, comprising an emulsion typecomposition obtained by emulsifying a solution formed by dissolving saidblock copolymer (A).
 14. The composition of claim 13, wherein theemulsion type composition is further compounded with 0.01 to 10 mass %(per total mass of the composition as a reference) of a water-solublepolyhydric alcohol (K).